Capitalizing on unprecedented excitement, Democrats running for office include a record number of women along with small business owners, doctors, and veterans of the military:
Westbrook, MAINE - Today, the Maine Democratic Party, along with the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee and the House Democratic Campaign Committee, announced that they have fielded one of the strongest, most diverse set of candidates seeking election and re-election to the Maine House and Senate ever.
“We could not be more excited about our field of candidates this year. They’re small business owners, veterans, doctors, and community leaders of all kinds -- but most importantly, they’re folks who are committed to improving the lives of their neighbors,” said Maine Democratic Party Chairman Phil Bartlett. “These are candidates who are committed to making Augusta work again for Mainers, and they’ll do it by working to build an economy that empowers the middle-class and provides Maine people with the support they need to be successful.”
The Senate Democratic Campaign Committee announced that they’re fielding a candidate in all 35 Senate Districts. Of the 35 candidates, 17 are women (two of whom are in the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame), 18 are small business owners, three are doctors, and five are military veterans. Twelve of the candidates have already served their communities as City Councilors and School Board Members, and 15 Democrats are seeking re-election to the Senate, while only 8 Republicans are doing so.
“The level of enthusiasm we’ve seen from people is unprecedented, and I am confident that we’ve got a candidate who can win in all 35 Senate Districts,” said Senate Democratic Leader Troy Jackson. “I’m proud to say that out of those 35 districts, we have 16 candidates that are women, which is more than ever before. The fact is that we’ve got doctors stepping up to run for the Senate because they want to make sure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare; we’ve got small business owners running so that voices from Main Street are heard in Augusta. We’re ready to take back the Majority with folks like these on the Democratic ticket.”
The House Democratic Campaign Committee announced that it is fielding candidates in all 151 House districts. 163 Democrats and six independents will be running in 2018. Fifty-percent of the Democratic House candidates are women, the highest number in history. House Democrats are expecting 18 primaries throughout the state.
“House Democrats are very proud to field a strong set of candidates for the 2018 ballot,” said House Speaker Sara Gideon. "We have been overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm of people who want represent our towns and communities and move Maine in a positive direction. I am proud of the number of women, and the number of people from all walks of life, who are standing up to run as Democrats."
###